help with suspension

[lechez71]

hey guys i bought this truck about 2 years ago and just got it on the road. i went to take it to a wheel allignment shop,  and the shop says the front coil springs were heated to lower it, and it has a very stiff ride it hit bumps on the road very hard like it has no suspension. my guess is they lowered it to much and added spacers in the coil to lift it back up a little, just my guess though. i am going to buy new coil springs but not sure how much lower to get to stay the same ride height. does the truck look lowered? it is 30 1/2 inches from the floor to the top of fender whel front and rear. tire size on the rear is 275/60/15 and front 235/75/15. thanks guys heres a link to the pics.
http://s412.photobucket.com/albums/pp210/lorenzochevelle/

[1980c10]

looks like you'll need to be two inches shorter in the front. From the pics your wheel spacing front and back to top look equal which is what i have on my truck with two inch lowering springs from beltech.
here it is with the originial factory springs

here is the same truck with the shorter springs

The originial were worn out and probably sagged a little so the amount lowered was a little less than 2 inches

[lechez71]

that looks good. so you have 2 inch lower springs in the front, and 4 inch back? if i get 2" lower springs in the front can i cut them to 2 1/2?

[1980c10]

that looks good. so you have 2 inch lower springs in the front, and 4 inch back? if i get 2" lower springs in the front can i cut them to 2 1/2?

yeah they are 2" shorter in the front.
Don't cut them! If you want to go lower you'll need to get drop spindles I think they are good for another 3 inches.
If you are trying to match front to back;
1. install springs in the front
2. measure to find out if you need to raise the back or lower it to get the stance you want.
3. if you need the back higher you can block it.
3. if you need to go lower you'll want to use new 2" lowering shackles, most have a space for 1 or 2 inches. i used western chassis for these. btw you won't get a full two inches; the shackles only move the rear of the spring up 2 inches.
4 if you need to get lower then the shackles will get you then use lowering hanger-if you need more then get a flip kit.

What i am getting at is that you'll set the front height where you want it and match up the back as there are a lot more options for fine tuning.

[lechez71]

im think im gonna go with the 2 inck lower springs. just a question, ive seen 3" lower springs on summitracing.com is that a little to much to go lower with springs? does the ride quality suffer? i know spindles will be better if lowering more. where are some good places to get the lower springs? thanks sorry new to this.

[N2TRUX]

If you want the front lower than 2" use spindles. Personally I prefer to start with spindles and go with springs if I want more drop. I do not recommend 3" springs. I have never heard anyone say they were happy with the ride from them.

Summit racing is a great place to buy your parts from. They offer awesome deals and great service as well.

[lechez71]

i would really like to drop it with spindles and get stock springs to get it down 2" and if i am not happy with it, ill get springs to lower it more, but its out of my budget. everywhere i look they cost close to $300.

[1980c10]

Why buy springs and spindles when you can just buy the springs to lower it two inches? btw springs are cheaper too, if you need to go lower then buy the spindles after the spring are in. In my opinion the front suspension is too soft the shorter springs are a little stiffer and fixes that. On the rear of my truck I removed leafs to give it a softer more correct ride. then I replaced the spring shackles to give it the stance I was looking for. The springs if i remember right were just over $100. Now my truck handles, corners and rides better than any truck I have owned.

[lechez71]

i wanted spindles so i have the option of going lower in the future if i ever decided. only reason also is i have many buddys that started with shackles and are now lowered 6/7. it must be addicting to keep going lower. im sure ill be happy with 2" lower springs though.  competitor  carries 2" drop springs for $120, dont know the brand, are they any good? or should i get something else?

[1980c10]

Your springs are bad now. So you need springs.
-If you want to go 2 inches lower; you need the 2" springs.
-If you want to go 3 inches lower; you need spindles and new stock springs.
-If you want to go 5 inches lower; you need the 2" springs and spindles.
So if you might want to go lower in the future the 2" springs are still your best option.

[lechez71]

ok thanks where did you buy your springs?

[three8six]

I had three inch lowering springs and I dont live around the nicest roads. Ill tell you its stiff, and worse yet I had to realign my front end on almost a bi weekly basis(haha to 1 year warranties). I wouldnt do it.

[lechez71]

cool, im staying away from the 3" springs. hope it rides nice with 2" lower springs.

[1980c10]

I can't remember where I got my springs, it was probably an ebay store or summit racing.

[acefoxx]

I used CPP modular 2" drop spindles and their 3" drop springs.

 Lowers your truck 2" without moving the wheels out
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1960_1972_Chevy_Truck/CP30106-1.htm